Obituaries

Joseph M. Kielb, 77

January 28, 1944 - May 25, 2021

Joseph Michael Kielb, 77, returned to the arms of God peacefully on May 25, 2021 after a brave battle with leukemia. Joe was born in Hartford, CT to the late Michael and Sophie (Zak) Kielb. He graduated from Pennsylvania Military College (Widener) in 1966 where he was a member of TKE fraternity. Joe was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Infantry and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA and Camp Casey, Korea at the DMZ. Joe had a successful career in accounting working for a number of local companies until his retirement.

Joe’s greatest treasures were his faith and his family. Joe was an active member of St. Leo the Great Parish. Joe was a PIAA basketball official for many years and was an avid Penn State football fan.

Joe was the loving husband of Alexia (Wilson) Kielb for 51 years. They lived in Braintree, MA and Greenville, SC before settling in Lancaster, PA. Joe and Alexia are the parents of Maureen (Chris) Morrall of Landisville; Michael (Jennifer) of Richmond, VA; Lisa (Scott Sklar) of Mount Joy; Cynthia (Joe) Schuberth of Phoenixville; Karen Kielb of Mount Joy; and Dr. Stephanie Kielb of Columbus, OH. While their hearts are broken, they take comfort in knowing Joe is free of pain and at peace with his Savior.

Joe enjoyed being a father and thought that was the best thing in the world, until 2002 when he became a grandfather. He is survived by 7 grandchildren – Victoria, Jameson, Julian, Michael, Ethan, Rhys and Mallory. They will miss Pop Pop cheering them on from the sidelines and his never ending supply of hugs and Skittles.

Joe is also survived by sisters Jennie Szot of Newington, CT and Gladys Kielb of East Hartford, CT as well as nephews Charles Szot of Greenville, SC and Anthony Szot of Farmington, CT. Joe was preceded in death by a nephew Walter Szot. He is also survived by his wife’s Palmer and Wilson families whom he cherished.

The family will receive guests during a visitation which will be held from 6 – 8 PM on Friday, June 4, 2021, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601, with Father Peter I. Hahn as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Silver Spring Cemetery, Silver Spring, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that masses be said in Joseph’s memory, or contributions in his name be made to St. Leo the Great School at the above address, Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Dr., P O Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125, or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at donate.lls.org

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Condolences to the Family

June 25, 2021

Sadly I just saw this.  While we did not know Joe personally we observed he always had a smile and hello for us.  I remember him as a good referee and showed a special love for the youth he touched.  May he truly rest in peace.
Bruno S. Schmalhofer

June 04, 2021

There are people we are so blessed to know that we thank God for His planning that we meet. Alexia, you and your family are counted among our blessings! It is a unique journey when we are blessed to watch one another’s children grow.  Joe surely is in the league of extraordinary gentlemen and will always be remembered that way. We are praying that these moments will be as gentle with each of you as possible and that the sure knowledge that love transcends death will bring comfort today and assurance in each new tomorrow. Prayers, Joy and Bill Linton

June 03, 2021

During my career, there are many that I have had the pleasure of working with and those that I have had the extreme pleasure to know in and outside of work.  Joe is that “extreme pleasure.”  Our deepest sympathy to Alexia and the family from Kelly and I and our prayers are with all the Kielb family.  Dave & Kelly Pedersen

June 02, 2021

Alexia and children,  We are so saddened by Joe’s passing, but take great solace that he is pain free in God’s care.  We are also comforted and thankful for the enormous blessing of having you in our lives for over 50 years.  We have nothing but great memories- Joe and you in our wedding (when you were about to deliver Michael!), the visits in Greenville, the fantastic Polish dinner at Joe’s parents in Hartford, the basketball games, all the good times we spent together – but , most importantly, our friendship and our love for each of you.  God Bless you!
We visited Fr. Sullivan and he asked us to tell you he is praying for you.  He values your friendship and all your efforts to help him in the parish – particularly Joe’s work in finance.  “God Bless”
Karen and Jim Kendig

May 31, 2021

Our families are what sustains us.It is our crowning achievement.We pray for one and all.
Dennis Wilson

May 31, 2021

Dear Alexia and Family,  Please accept our deepest condolences at Joe’s passing.  He was a dear college classmate, fraternity brother and military brother.  He is now in God’s Good Grace!  You, Joe and the family will remain in our prayers.
Kevin and Heddy Kissling

May 30, 2021

Alexia & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies with the passing of “Joe.”  May God’s love and mercy comfort you and your family.  Mark & Beverly Uehlein

May 30, 2021

Dear Alexia and children, my deepest sympathy and prayers on the passing of Joe.I remember him fondly as one of the wonderful volunteers at LRMC, I could always count on Joe to be there on Wednesday and to fill in on the days needed. I retired and moved to Florida 12/2017 but keep up to date on Lancaster County by members of the volunteer department. His love for his family was always noted in our conversations. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep  him and you in my prayers. Sincerely, Bonnie Goloski 

May 30, 2021

It was a pleasure to know Joe as his doctor for many years. His obituary accurately described him as having church and family be the cornerstones of his life. He took very good care of himself, which makes his shortened life seem unjust. The example of a life well lived will bring joy and inspiration to all those left behind.
David E. Fuchs, M.D.

May 29, 2021

My love and heart go out to my cousin Alexia and her family.
Joe was a great guy and always fun to converse with about any topic under the sun .
Leonard “Lenny” Fenimore

May 29, 2021

 My condolences and love go out to my cousin Alexia and all her family.  Joe was a great guy and always a joy to converse and joke with about anything under the sub.
Lenny

May 29, 2021

We love you, Lex and all of your family!! We’re so sorry about Joe, and want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! Love Lisa Elder and family 💓

Visitation
Friday, June 04, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Saturday, June 05, 2021
St. Leo the Great Catholic Church
2427 Marietta Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601
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